Sheriff Jiff Hingle reported that crime fell 16 percent in 2010 compared with 2009, and was at its lowest point since 2002. The parish reported no murders and rapes last year.

"When we see double-digit decreases, we are thrilled," said Hingle, who has been sheriff since 1991. "However, we don't want to become complacent with our success. We want further reductions."

The decline in crime last year mirrors results similar to Plaquemines' neighbors. Jefferson Parish reported a 14 percent decrease last year, its lowest since the 1970s. And Gretna saw crime drop 22 percent over the previous year.

Law enforcement agencies are required to keep a tally of homicides, robberies, rapes, assaults, burglaries, thefts and auto thefts and make annual reports to the FBI.

Overall, there were 596 crimes reported in Plaquemines Parish in 2010 compared with 716 in 2009, according to crime statistics.

This was despite a rise in population of roughly 5,000 temporary workers involved in operations related to the BP oil spill last spring, and another 1,000 workers involved in various other projects, Hingle said. Some media outlets reported widespread rowdiness, fighting and lewd behavior in the southern end of the parish, but Maj. John Marie, a sheriff's spokesman, said those reports were inaccurate. Plaquemines avoided many of the issues experienced in other areas by beefing up its police presence and receiving assistance from nearby law enforcement agencies, Marie said.

The Sheriff's Office reported 317 reports of assaults in 2010 compared with 316 in 2009.

Hingle praised residents for assisting the Sheriff's Office through tips to Crimestoppers, as well as attending community outreach events designed to build a rapport with the community. He said the parish's Citizen Police Academy and Community Emergency Response Team continue to have great support.

"Make no mistake about it. While we are very happy with this significant decrease, we must continue all of our efforts to insure the safety of our residents and our visitors and keep Plaquemines safe," Hingle said.